Eagle Extra: Emily Fox, Women's Basketball

By: Rose Lucidi
Sports Information Intern
lucidrx10@juniata.edu • juniatasports.net

HUNTINGDON, Pa. – First generation college student Emily Fox (Fleetwood, Pa./Brandywine Heights) is a determined and dedicated student-athlete for Juniata College women's basketball.

When searching for colleges, Fox looked for academics before basketball. She discovered Juniata while doing a web search to try and narrow down her college options. During her research, she noticed the high level of science programs and decided to take a visit to the campus. After her visit and meeting the basketball coach, she had made her decision.

"I visited the campus and I really liked the area," said Fox. "It was a small town like where I was from and all the people during my visit were really friendly. I knew it was a good fit."

Fox grew up in the small town of Fleetwood Pa., very much like Huntingdon, located two to three hours away. When asked to describe her town, she laughed and said, "lots of fields and trees." With the easy transition and a high interest in medicine, she quickly chose to pursue a degree in biology and chemistry. One day she hopes to do research involving medicine.

"I would just rather be behind the scenes than do the doctor patient interactive thing," said Fox.  "I saw some of that my senior year of high school and I realized that it was just not for me. "

Fox's path to basketball was different from most. She participate in dance when she was younger, she played baseball until she had to switch to softball, and played soccer in middle school. While she was dancing, all her friends were playing basketball. She decided that seven years was enough dance and she would rather be with her friends. No matter what other sports she played, Fox said, "basketball was always my favorite."

With a high importance on playing basketball, she started playing in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) organization.  AAU is one of the largest non-profit volunteer sports organizations in the United States. It is dedicated to the promotion and development of amateur athletes.  Fox played within this organization from the fifth grade until she was too old to play.

"I really liked AAU.  I got to meet a bunch of girls from different schools around me," said Fox. "Then playing against them during the high school season was just as fun as playing with them."

She likes to keep up with the players from her AAU days. Fox checks up on all their accomplishments they have made in college, and to make sure they are all doing well.

"Some girls from the team actually play for Moravian," said Fox. "It is still as fun to play with them now as it was then."

Moravian College is one of seven other schools with Juniata who compete in the Landmark Conference.

With a busy academic and athletic schedule Fox struggles to find time for herself. When she does find a moment to relax, she loves to read. Her favorite types of books are murder mysteries.  On top of this, she is involved on campus. She is a pending member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, a member of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) and a teacher's assistant for biology and chemistry labs. Even with her busy schedule, Fox finds the time to be a well-rounded student- athlete.

"Being a teachers assistant is the biggest time commitment," said Fox. "You have to grade all the lab books which can take forever," said Fox. "Playing of the DIII level you are here because you love the game and you're not getting paid to play. You really are a student-athlete and you are able to get the best of both worlds."

Rapid Fire:

Favorite band/artist?

 Timeflies.

Favorite shoes?

The ones I have on my feet, Saucony's.  They are apparently made in Kutztown, which is the next town over from where I live.

Favorite item in your dorm room?

 Pictures of my dog.

One thing you couldn't go a day without?

 Peanut Butter.

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Madame Curie, she was that awesome science lady that broke down some barriers.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Australia.

If you could be any animal (car, vegetable, etc.), what would you be and why?

Dog, because I always wanted to know what it would be like.

If you could be an Olympic athlete (in anything other than your sport) what would it be?

Swimming.

Favorite class at Juniata?

Bio labs in general are my favorite.

Favorite place in Huntingdon?

I will have to go with campus, I do not really leave campus that much.

Favorite Juniata Tradition?

Mountain day. Its nice to get that break.

Favorite athletic experience at Juniata?

Going to NCAA's freshman year.

If you could trade places with one JC athlete, who would it be and why?

Brittney Young. It would be awesome to do what she does for a day and learn how to hit the ball and roll like her.